My Hero Marion

Marion Nestle, NYU Professor, Nutrition and Public Policy Expert, Food Writer and Blogger (foodpolitics.com) is one of my personal heros.  She is smart, and her message is no-nonsense and direct.  So often people are looking for the next great diet secret, Paleo gluten free sugar busted Atkins fiber raw. . .it can be wise sometimes to notice what smart eating plans have in common rather than what makes them unique.  And that's where Marion comes in.  She is consistent in her recommendations that most people need to increase their fruit, vegetable, whole grain and fiber intake; reduce processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats; and get some exercise (!)

Nestle writes a monthly column for the San Francisco Chronicle, and she takes reader's questions.  This past Sunday she clearly answers a reader's question about Type II diabetes, the disease Food Network personality Paula Dean recently announced she's had for a few years.  Although the other day some co-workers and I were debating medical right to privacy issues vs. ethical responsibility -- considering the fat and cholesterol-laden food she prepares and pushes -- Nestle points out that Dean the diabetic has a recent endorsement deal with a drug company, while she has made no discussion of weight loss efforts.

Losing weight is the number one action a person can take to control and reverse diabetes.  Read Nestle's article here and tell me what you think.  It was published in the Food section, and I think it should have been on the front page.